Pet of the Week Looks Like a Mocha Latte, He is a Catahoula Leopard

Triton is still a puppy with a good ball-drive. His markings are some of the most unique mix of colors that I have ever seen. He appears to be a Catahoula Leopard mix which is actually the state dog of Louisiana. Triton loves to romp and play fetch. He loves people and runs back and forth to everyone in the lobby of the shelter.

It was storming so we had to stay inside and play. Triton didn't seem to care though. He was ready to check everything out and carry his toy around. He had a lot of energy to get out since it had been a while since he was out of his kennel. If we had been outside, we could have worn him out fairly quickly with a round or two of playing fetch.

For a limited time, you can adopt dogs for just $40 and cats for $20. The spay or neuter, vaccinations and microchip will be paid for by Texarkana Friends of the Shelter.

As an Catahoula dog and I found this description of the breed on Your Purebred Puppy to be very spot on:

The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, often called "King of the Stock Dogs," really belongs on a farm or ranch, for he is a serious worker who goes about his business with tremendous focus and assertiveness.
This athletic, rugged dog requires at least an hour of running exercise each day. Without sufficient outlets for his high energy, he will become rambunctious and destructive.
Most Catahoula Leopard Dogs are reserved with strangers and naturally protective. Skittishness and sharpness can be problems in some lines, and Catahoulas need extensive socialization.
He can be dominant and pushy with other animals, especially with other dogs of the same sex, and doesn't always cohabit well in multi-pet homes. He can be possessive of his food.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are independent and like to be in charge. You must be a confident leader or they will walk all over you.
Overall, this is a capable, versatile companion when allowed to fulfill his working heritage. Otherwise, he may not be happy and can be too much dog to handle.

If you are intrigued about the breed and are trying to figure out whether this is the dog for you, ask yourself these questions from the site Your Purebred Puppy:

If you want a dog who:

• Is medium to large, tautly muscled, and athletic
• Has a short, easy-groom coat with an unusual color pattern
• Is a serious working dog who thrives on vigorous exercise and goes about his business with tremendous focus and assertiveness
• Makes a keen watchdog

A Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with:

• Vigorous exercise requirements
• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
• Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
• Suspiciousness or shyness when not extensively socialized
• Aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts
• Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
• Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars

A Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog may not be right for you.

But you can avoid or minimize some negative traits by ... choosing an adult dog from your animal shelter or rescue group – a dog who has already proven that he doesn't have negative traits and training your dog to respect you.

I love my Catahoula and wouldn't change anything about him, well other than the fact that he has decided to start jumping my four foot fence again.

If you would like to foster this dog, contact one of our local dog rescues. The rescues pay for any vetting fees. You provide a safe home, with a fenced yard and food. As a foster, your other responsibilities include getting the dog to adoption events on Saturdays.

Dogs and cats are euthanized every week in our local shelter. It is up to the community to prevent it. Spay and neuter your pets. Volunteer to help educate citizens about the need to fix their animals. Share this post on your Facebook page and Tweet about it, too.

The shelter's adoption fees range from $40 to $144, depending on the gender and size of the animal or whether they have been spayed or neutered yet. You can also have your pet microchipped for only $20 at the shelter. That way if your pet is ever lost, he or she can be returned to you quickly.

The Animal Care and Adoption Center is located at 203 Harrison St., Texarkana, Ark., 71854 and is open Monday through Friday from 11AM and 5PM and Saturdays from 11AM to 2PM.